The Court of Justice of the European Union has greatly expanded the unelected European Commission’s powers over trade policy, which streamlines the process of negotiating a UK/EU deal – but increases the influence of Brussels hardliners.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Union’s unelected executive Commission, has conceded leaks of a supposedly “disastrous” meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May in London were “a serious mistake” – but denied personal responsibility.